skin cancer
PositiveTip for
Tanning Beds Take Another Hit
Posted by Fred Hardinge on
Tanning bed use increases risk of early-onset basal cell carcinoma.
During the past 40 years the incidence of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) has risen markedly, especially in women under 40 years of age. This rise conincides with the increasing use of public tanning beds for cosmetic purposes. Estimates suggest that 40% of teens use a tanning bed regularly. In the first case-control study to examine BCC in those under 40, researchers found that tanning bed users were nearly 4 times as likely to have BCCs on the extremities and nearly 2 times on the trunk, compared to never-users. The risk grew stronger with more years of use.
PositiveTip: Ever used tanning beds? Be sure to have regular examinations for BCCs and melanomas.
Ban Teens from Tanning Beds
Posted by Elvin Adams on
Sunlight is one of God’s special blessings. It is essential for vitamin D synthesis in the skin. But too much sun can also harm the skin. Hazards related to excessive UV exposure from tanning beds are outlined in a 30-page technical report just published by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
In the United States, a million people visit tanning salons every day. Many clients are teenagers, especially females. One national survey revealed that as many as 35% of 17-year-old girls use a tanning bed.
Got Sunshine Phobia?
Posted by Elvin Adams on
“Avoid sunlight, it will give you skin cancer.”
You've probably heard people say it, but it isn't always good advice. Sunlight is our most important source of vitamin D. The current epidemic of Vitamin D deficiency is largely a result of avoiding healthy levels of sun exposure.
The amount of sunshine time we need in order to make enough vitamin D varies from person to person. It is affected by things like skin type, time of day and time of year. Often, just a few minutes of sunshine several times a week is enough.
PositiveTip for
Sunshine Safety
Posted by Fred Hardinge on
Is there such thing as a “safe tan”?
UVA rays and UVB rays are the sun rays that cause skin cancer, aging of the skin, wrinkles and other problems. There are several important ways to protect your skin from these harmful rays:
- Sunscreen: Choose sunscreens that say “broad-spectrum”. Also choose one’s that have a sun protection factor (spf) of 15 or greater. Apply 15-30 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours that you remain outdoors.
- Protective clothing: wear long sleeves, pants, hats, sunglasses and collars when you can.
- Shade: seek shade as much as possible, it won’t completely protect you, but it will help. Ultraviolet rays are present on cloudy days too, so make sure you are protected.